Social Science vs Social Studies: Course & Career Guide

Do you know? Nine out of ten social science graduates are employed or pursuing further studies within one year of graduation.

Social science is one of the most popular fields of study worldwide, offering a wide range of subjects like economics, sociology, and political science. In the UK, nearly 4 in 10 students graduate with a social science degree. In the US, it ranks third among undergraduate majors.

This popularity goes beyond academics. With 148,400 job openings expected each year, social science roles are growing fast. From research to policy, the field offers real-world impact and global relevance.

If you’re an Indian student aiming to study in the US, UK, or top universities from any other country, knowing the difference between social science and social studies is key. This will help you pick the right course and career path abroad.

Social Science and Social Studies: Comparative Overview

A Social Science degree involves the scientific study of human society, behavior, and institutions through fields like sociology, economics, political science, and anthropology. It focuses on research, data analysis, and theory to understand social patterns.

Social Studies, by contrast, blends social sciences and humanities to promote civic awareness and informed citizenship. Common in school curricula, it teaches societal structures, culture, and history in an integrated way.

While both study human interactions, Social Science centers on research and specialization, whereas Social Studies aims to build critical thinking and civic understanding. Here's a structured comparison:

Parameter	Social Science	Social Studies
Definition	Academic study of human society and social relationships via scientific methods.	Integrated study of social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence.
Academic Focus	Specialized disciplines (e.g., economics, sociology) with empirical analysis.	Broad, interdisciplinary approach combining history, geography, civics, and ethics.
Curriculum Level	Higher education (bachelor's /master's degrees).	Primarily taught in K-12 schools, with some university-level courses.
Purpose	To analyze and solve societal issues through research and theory.	To prepare students for informed citizenship and community participation.
Core Subjects	Sociology Political Science Economics Anthropology Psychology	History Geography Civics Cultural Studies Environmental Studies
Career Roles	Sociologist Economist Political Scientist Anthropologist Data Analyst	Educator Policy Analyst Community Organizer Historian Urban Planner
Higher Studies	M.Sc. in Urban Planning MA in International Relations  M.A. in Social Science	M.Ed. in Education in Social Studies M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
Annual Average Salary	INR 2.5L to 12.8L	INR 3L to 12L
Tuition Fees (INR)	INR 2.8L to 51L	INR 18.6L to 58L

Now that you have a broad understanding, let's examine how the course structures differ between the two fields.

Social Science and Social Studies: Course Structure & Syllabus Comparison

Choosing between Social Science and Social Studies can be confusing for students. A typical UK Social Science (BSc) is a three-year full-time course with 120 credits yearly, split into six 20-credit modules. In the final year, you can opt for a 40-credit dissertation for a deeper focus.

The table below highlights the key differences to guide your decision.

Feature	Social Science	Social Studies
Primary Academic Focus	In-depth theoretical understanding Data analysis in specific social sciences	Broad, integrated knowledge of social sciences and humanities Teaching focus
Typical Curriculum Emphasis	Advanced research methods Critical thinking Analytical skills	History Economics Geography Sociology Education methods for practical application
Research Component	Strong emphasis on research Dissertations and projects	Less theoretical research More applied and experiential learning
Pedagogical Component	Limited focus unless education track pursued	Core part of curriculum Includes teaching methods and student teaching
Common Degree Types	BA, BSc (UG) MA, MS, PhD (PG)	BA, BSc (UG) MA (PG)
Typical Career Paths	Researchers Policy analysts Academics Consultants- Social workers	Educators Public service leaders Community organizers
Doctoral Program Availability	Widely available Specialized fields like economics, sociology	Less common Master’s often terminal degree
Undergraduate Content	Theoretical frameworks Research methods Specialized topics	History, geography, civics Introductory teaching courses
Postgraduate Content	Advanced research Theoretical analysis Policy and specialized topics	Pedagogy Curriculum development Teaching internships
UG Course Structure	Years 1-2: Core subjects in sociology, economics, political science, and research methodology.	Years 1-2: Broad subjects like history, geography, civics, and introductory education.
	Year 3: Specialized electives, dissertation/project.	Year 3: Practical teaching experience, community projects, or capstone work.
PG Course Structure	Year 1: Advanced theory and research methods.	Year 1: Pedagogy, curriculum development, and educational theory.
	Year 2: Thesis work, specialized seminars, and policy analysis projects.	Year 2: Fieldwork, teaching internships, or community-based projects.
Quantitative Methods	Often significant, especially in BSc programs	Usually less emphasis
Career Orientation	Research Policy Specialized disciplinary roles	Education (K-12) Public service Community engagement

Having reviewed the course framework, let's examine the specialization options available within each field.

Social Science vs Social Studies: Specialization

Choosing between Social Science and Social Studies specializations can be confusing for students trying to find the right path. Many struggle with understanding whether to focus on deep theory and research or technical skills for teaching and community work. This section clarifies the main differences to help you make a clearer, confident decision.

Social Science Specializations

The Social Science field offers many specializations, each providing deep theoretical and research-based insights into human behavior, institutions, and society. For example, Princeton University alone provides 38 different social science specializations, including Anthropology, Economics, and History. 

Here are some of the key specializations you can expect in this domain:

Discipline	Specialization Areas
Economics	Microeconomics Macroeconomics Econometrics Development Economics Economics Public Policy
Political Science	Political Theory Comparative Politics International Relations Public Administration Political Economy
Sociology	Social Inequality Criminology Demography Urban Sociology Medical Sociology Family Studies Race and Ethnicity
Psychology	Clinical Psychology Cognitive Psychology Developmental Psychology Social Psychology Industrial-Organizational Psychology Neuroscience
Anthropology	Cultural Anthropology Archaeology Biological Anthropology Linguistic Anthropology Medical Anthropology
Geography	Physical Geography Human Geography Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Urban Planning Environmental Geography
History	American History European History Asian History Social History Political History
Data Science/Computational Social Science	Computational Methods Statistical Analysis in Social Science
International Relations	Diplomacy Security Studies International Law Global Governance Regional Studies
Public Policy	Social Policy Environmental Policy Health Policy Education Policy Urban Policy

Moving on to Social Studies, the focus shifts to more practical, education-centered specializations.

Social Studies Specializations

Unlike Social Science, Social Studies specializations focus on teaching methods and community engagement. For example, Western Illinois University offers 11 undergraduate and eight graduate programs, like Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Leadership, preparing students for real-world educational roles.

Here are common specialization areas within Social Studies education programs, along with their primary focus:

Specialization Area	Focus
History Education	Curriculum development, teaching methodologies, and historical content knowledge
Civic Education and Engagement	Preparing students for democratic processes and community involvement
Social Justice Education	Addressing inequality, human rights, and incorporating these issues into teaching practices
Global Studies Education	Curriculum focused on international relations, global cultures, and globalization
Interdisciplinary Social Sciences	Integrating multiple social science disciplines for a broader teaching approach
Curriculum and Instruction in Social Studies	Pedagogical theories, instructional strategies, and assessment methods specific to social studies education
Educational Leadership in Social Studies	Leadership roles in curriculum development or departmental administration in education
Social and Behavioral Sciences (General)	Enhancing general content knowledge across various social science disciplines for teaching

Once you’ve identified where your interests lie, it’s also important to consider what academic path each stream leads to.

Social Science vs Social Studies: Higher Studies

Globally, over 1,093 institutions across 100 countries offer Social Science and Social Studies programs in these fields, giving students a wide range of academic and career options.

Degrees in Social Science often lead to advanced studies like an MA in Sociology at the University of Calgary, while Social Studies graduates may pursue education-focused programs such as the Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics at Stony Brook University.

The table below highlights typical higher study options for both paths.

Program Type	Social Science	Social Studies
Master's Programs	MA/MS in Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, Economics, Anthropology M.Sc. in Social Work, Criminology, Urban Planning MA in Public Policy, International Relations, Development Studies M.A. in Social Science (e.g., MAPSS Program)	MA in Social Studies Education M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Social Studies Master's in History or Geography
Doctoral Programs	Ph.D. in Sociology, Political Science, Economics, Psychology Ph.D. in Social Work, Urban Studies, Development Studies	Ed.D. in Educational Leadership Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction

Now that you know your academic options, let's examine the cost factors involved.

Social Science vs Social Studies: Cost of Studying

Choosing between Social Science and Social Studies often comes down to interest, but cost is also a significant factor. Tuition rates differ widely across universities and countries. Comparing these expenses can help students plan better for both education and future goals.

Tuition Fees for Social Science In Top Universities

Social Science degrees at top universities range from modest to high, depending on the region. For instance, TUM in Germany charges around INR 2.8L, while Harvard costs INR 50.8L annually. Such variation reflects the global differences in education funding models.

Here's a breakdown of tuition fees for Social Science programs from 6 top universities:

University	Degree	Annual Tuition Fees (USD) (INR)
Harvard University	BA in Social Sciences	$59,320 (INR 50.8L)
University of Oxford	BA in Human Sciences	£41,130 (INR 47.3L)
University of New South Wales (UNSW)	BA in Social Sciences	AUD 48,000 (INR 26.6L)
Technical University of Munich (TUM)	BSc in Political Science	€2,000–€3,000 (INR 1.9–2.8L)
University of Melbourne	BA in Social Sciences	AUD 17,000 (INR 9.4L)
University of Edinburgh	MA (Hons) in Social Sciences	£28,000 (INR 32.2L)

Note: Values are based on current exchange rates and may vary.

Also Read: Cost of Studying Abroad for Indian Students in Rupees

Tuition Fees for Social Studies In Top Universities

Degrees in Social Studies can be equally varied in cost. Harvard's program stands at INR 50.8L per year, while UNSW offers a related degree for INR 19.1L. Graduate programs like the MAT at Brown University can go as high as INR 58.7L annually.

Below is a snapshot of tuition fees for top Social Studies courses from 5 top universities:

University	Degree	Annual Tuition Fees (USD) (INR)
Harvard University	BA in Social Studies	$59,320 (INR 50.8L)
University of New South Wales (UNSW)	Bachelor of Education (Secondary) in Social Studies	AUD 34,500 (INR 19.1L)
Stanford University	BA in African and African American Studies	$21,709 (INR 18.6L)
University of Florida	Master of Arts (MAE)	$28,658 (INR 24.5L)
Brown University	Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Social Studies	$68,608 (INR 58.7L)

Note: Values are based on current exchange rates and may vary.

Also Read: Cost of Masters Abroad under 20 Lakhs

Now that you understand the expenses, let's look at the potential returns in the job market.

Social Science vs Social Studies: Career Prospects After Graduation

Social Science graduates often work in data-driven roles involving research, policy evaluation, and strategic planning. The fastest-growing jobs in this field are Market Research Manager and Political Scientist, which are expected to grow by 13% and 7%, respectively.

Here's a snapshot of standard job titles, their average salaries, and typical employers:

Social Science Career Opportunities

Graduates in Social Science often find top-paying roles as Economists, earning around INR 12.8 lakh annually. Careers here typically involve deep analysis, research, and policy formulation.

The following table shows job titles, average salaries, and common employers:

Job Role	Average Annual Salary (INR)	Typical Employers
Economist	INR 12.8L	Government agencies, international organizations
Sociologist	INR 2.5L	Research institutions, NGOs
Policy Analyst	INR 8.9L	Think tanks, government bodies
Social Science Researcher	INR 7.8L	Academic institutions, research organizations
Human Resources Manager	INR 9.3L	Corporations, educational institutions

Source: Glassdoor

Note: Salary figures are approximate and can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and specific employer.

These roles often require strong analytical skills, research capabilities, and a deep understanding of social dynamics.

Social Studies Career Opportunities

Social Studies graduates can earn their highest salaries as Educational Administrators, with annual pay up to INR 12.1 lakh. These careers focus more on teaching, program development, and community engagement.

See below for detailed job roles, salary ranges, and typical workplaces:

Job Role	Average Annual Salary (INR)	Typical Employers
Social Studies Teacher	INR 3.0L	Schools, educational institutions
Curriculum Developer	INR 5.4L	Educational boards, private educational firms
Educational Administrator	INR 12.1L	Schools, educational departments
Community Development Officer	INR 11.1L	NGOs, government agencies
Public Policy Consultant	INR 9.4L	Government, think tanks

Source: Glassdoor

Note: Salary figures are approximate and can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and specific employer.

After reviewing career options, you might be wondering how to decide which path suits you best.

How to Choose Between Social Science and Social Studies?

Social Science is popular, with 20.56% of postgraduates enrolled in this field, reflecting its broad career scope. While it focuses on specialized research and analysis, Social Studies offers a broader, interdisciplinary approach geared toward teaching and community work. 

To help you decide which path suits you best, here are some key factors to consider:

What Interests You Most?

• Social Science focuses on specialized disciplines like economics, sociology, and political science. It’s about deeply analyzing societal structures and patterns through research.
• Social Studies combines history, civics, geography, and related fields to provide a broad understanding of society, often with an emphasis on teaching and community engagement.

Career Goals

• Social Science careers often lead to roles in research, policy analysis, data analytics, urban planning, and academia. These jobs usually require advanced degrees (Master’s or Ph.D.) but have strong growth opportunities.
• Social Studies is ideal if you want to become a K-12 teacher, curriculum developer, education administrator, or work in museum education. Note that job growth for high school teachers is projected to decline slightly (around 1%).

How Do You Like to Learn?

• If you enjoy research, theory, and critical thinking, Social Science offers a deep dive into specific subjects and data-driven analysis.
• If you prefer practical, interdisciplinary learning with real-world applications, Social Studies will appeal to you, especially in educational or community settings.

Research vs. Application

• Social Science emphasizes research and theory development, advancing knowledge in specific fields.
• Social Studies focuses on applying knowledge in classrooms and communities, helping students and citizens understand society.

Higher Education Paths

• Social Science provides the proper foundation for advanced economics, sociology, or political science degrees.
• Social Studies typically leads to a Bachelor’s in Education, with options to pursue Master’s degrees in education or leadership roles later.

Financial Considerations

• Careers in Social Science often have higher earning potential but may require costly graduate education.
• Social Studies offers more affordable undergraduate education, but generally comes with lower salaries. For example, K-12 teachers in the U.S. earn an average of around $59,000 (INR 50.7L) annually, while in India, social studies teachers earn approximately INR 3.6L per year.

Making a Long-Term Impact

• Social Science professionals influence policy, conduct impactful research, and provide insights that shape society on a large scale.
• Social Studies teachers play a crucial role in educating future generations, fostering civic responsibility, and building informed communities.

With this clearer understanding, you can make a more informed choice. Learn how upGrad can help you make it happen.

How Can upGrad Assist You in Choosing Between Social Science and Social Studies?

Choosing between Social Science and Social Studies can be challenging, especially when considering factors like academic focus, career prospects, and personal interests. upGrad offers comprehensive support to help you navigate this decision and align your educational path with your career aspirations.

• Personalized Counseling: upGrad provides one-on-one sessions with expert advisors to understand your interests and goals, guiding you toward the discipline that best suits your aspirations.
• Curriculum Insights: Gain detailed comparisons of Social Science and Social Studies programs, including subject matter, research opportunities, and practical applications, to make an informed choice.
• Career Pathways: Explore potential careers stemming from each field, such as policy analysis, education, or community development, with upGrad's guidance on industry demands and opportunities.
• Skill Development: Access upGrad's industry-relevant courses and mentorship programs designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in your chosen field.

Unsure whether Social Science or Social Studies aligns with your future plans? Book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad's expert advisors to receive personalized advice on selecting the right course and university tailored to your career goals.